Tere Ho Ke Rahenge (on hold)

Chapter 18

Adarshini was resting in bed when her phone buzzed insistently. She glanced at the screen and saw her brother Anirud's name flashing. With a sigh, she picked up the call.

"Hello?" she answered, trying to sound more energetic than she felt.

"Adarshini, what's going on?" Anirud's voice was filled with concern. "Why didn't you tell me about your health issues? I had to hear it from someone else!"

Adarshini closed her eyes, feeling a pang of guilt. "I'm sorry, brother. I didn't want to worry you. It's nothing serious, really."

"Nothing serious?" he echoed, his tone incredulous. "I'm your brother. You should have called me the moment you knew something was wrong."

"I know, I know," she conceded. "I just didn't want to add to your stress. How are you doing?"

Anirud sighed, clearly still upset. "I'm managing. But let's not deflect. How are you really?"

Adarshini smiled softly at his concern. "I'm taking it easy, getting better each day. Don't worry too much."

There was a pause on the line before Anirud spoke again. "Alright. But you have to promise me you'll keep me in the loop from now on."

"I promise," she said, hoping to steer the conversation to a different topic. "Hey, I was thinking about the Udaipur property the other day."

Anirud seemed taken aback by the sudden shift. "The Udaipur property? Why are you thinking about that now?"

"Oh, nothing major," Adarshini replied nonchalantly. "I just remembered we had that piece of land sitting there unused. It feels like a waste. Have you thought about doing anything with it?"

"The property is in your name, Adarshini," Anirud said, sounding confused. "You can do whatever you want with it. Why are you asking me?"

Adarshini felt a small rush of relief. "I know, I know. It just crossed my mind that we could maybe build something on it to generate some income. What do you think?"

"Well, it's a good idea," Anirud admitted. "But why the sudden interest?"

"Just trying to be practical," she said lightly. "It's been sitting there for so long, and with everything going on, it might be good to have some additional income."

Anirud was silent for a moment. "If you're serious about this, I can help you get started. Maybe we can look into some options together. You can call our lawyer and inform him about the idea."

"I'd like that," Adarshini said, genuinely touched by his offer. "Thanks, Anirud."

"Anything for you, sis. Just take care of yourself, okay?"

"I will. Talk to you soon."

As she ended the call, Adarshini felt a mixture of relief and apprehension. She had planted the seed, and now it was a matter of time before the truth about the property came to light. She hoped that when it did, it would bring the answers she desperately needed.

---

Eshanth walked into the high-class restaurant with an air of confidence, his presence commanding attention. He moved with the assurance of someone who owned the place, and heads turned as he passed. The waitress who came to greet him smiled warmly, clearly recognizing him. She led him to his private dining room, a subtle indication that he was a regular patron here.

Men and women alike couldn't help but glance his way, drawn by his striking appearance. His chiseled features, sharp jawline, and intense, indifference eyes made him undeniably handsome. His tailored suit accentuated his broad shoulders and lean physique, exuding an effortless elegance.

As Eshanth entered the private room, a whistle greeted him. "If I were born a woman, I would've married you," teased Viraan, his closest friend. Viraan was the youngest son of the Kapoor family, one of the richest in India. His jest was met with an unimpressed glare from Eshanth.

"Cut the nonsense, Viraan," Eshanth replied, his voice steady and firm. His indifference eyes conveyed a mix of mild annoyance and calm authority.

Viraan chuckled, unfazed by Eshanth's demeanor. "Always so serious," he remarked. "I called you here because we haven't seen each other in ages."

Eshanth nodded, taking a seat opposite Viraan. "It has been a while," he conceded, his tone softening slightly. They began catching up, their conversation shifting from casual banter to more serious matters as the evening progressed.

Time flew by as they discussed business, family, and the latest happenings in their lives. Eshanth checked his watch and noticed it was past 9 PM. "I need to go," he said, rising from his seat. "Adarshini must be waiting for me."

Viraan raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile on his lips. "What, do you have a curfew now?"

When Eshanth didn't respond, Viraan smile dimmed. "Don't tell me you're serious about that woman?"

Eshanth turned to look at Viraan, his face calm as ever, but his indifference eyes held a glint of cold determination. "Did you forget why you married her?" Viraan's smile faltered slightly.

"Isn't your mother waiting for you to return to New York? It's been two years," Eshanth replied coldly, his words hitting their mark. Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked out of the room, his steps measured and purposeful.

Viraan was left behind, a cold smile playing on his face as he watched his friend leave. He knew Eshanth was right, but admitting it was a different matter entirely.

———

Eshanth walked into the mansion, his footsteps barely making a sound on the polished wooden floor. The grand chandelier above cast a soft, warm light across the room, illuminating Adarshini as she lay curled up on the couch. She was nestled into the corner, one arm tucked under her head, and the other clutching her phone to her chest. Her legs were slightly bent, and a light blanket covered her from the waist down, rising and falling gently with each breath.

Her face, usually full of life and energy, now looked serene and peaceful in her sleep. A few strands of hair had fallen across her face, partially obscuring her delicate features. Her long eyelashes cast faint shadows on her cheeks, and her lips were slightly parted.

Eshanth paused for a moment, taking in the sight of her. He carefully draped his suit jacket over the head of the couch and walked closer, his gaze softening as he observed her. He bent down, his eyes tracing the lines of her face. It had become a habit of his to check on her frequently since her health had been weak for the past few weeks. His worry for her was a constant, quiet presence in his mind.

Gently, he pushed back the hair that had fallen onto her face, tucking it behind her ear. He then reached for the phone she was clutching, carefully prying her fingers away from it. As he did so, his finger accidentally swiped across the screen, causing it to unlock.

Eshanth's lips tugged up  before returning to their usual, neutral expression. The wallpaper on Adarshini's phone caught his eye. It was a photo from her childhood, showing her and her brother. The picture was taken on a sunny day, the two of them standing side by side, grinning from ear to ear. Adarshini, with her hair in two braids, wore a bright yellow dress, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Her brother, slightly taller and older, had his arm around her shoulder, his face full of pride and affection.

He pulled out his own phone and snapped a picture of the wallpaper, wanting to keep this glimpse of her past. He then placed her phone back where it had been.

Turning his attention back to Adarshini, he gently shook her shoulder. "Adarshini," he called softly, not wanting to startle her. "Wake up, it's time for dinner."

Adarshini stirred, her eyelids fluttering open slowly. She blinked a few times, disoriented, before her eyes focused on Eshanth. "Eshanth?" she mumbled, her voice groggy with sleep.

He looked down at her, his expression gentle. "Yes, it's me. Come on, it's time for dinner. You need to eat."

————

To be continued.